In this Help Net Security interview, Lynn Dohm, executive director of Women in CyberSecurity (WiCyS), talks about how her organization supports its members across various stages of their cybersecurity journey.
WiCyS (pronounced wee-sis) is an organization dedicated to advancing the representation and success of women in cybersecurity and fostering a more diverse workforce through a variety of strategic initiatives.
The role of organizations is becoming increasingly important given the existing cybersecurity talent shortage.
(Lynn Dohm's answer has been edited for length and clarity.)
How does WiCyS respond to the current state of the cybersecurity field?
We are committed to recruiting, retaining and championing women in cybersecurity and building an inclusive environment for women around the world. We work closely with academic, government, and industry partners to help women not only enter, but stay, succeed, and lead in cybersecurity.
Our flagship event, the WiCyS Conference, brings together women and their allies for technical presentations, workshops, panels, lightning talks, networking socials, resume reviews, mock interviews, professional headshots, career fairs, capture… The Flag Competition and more.
Other important initiatives include training sessions tailored to women leaders at different career stages and research that provides valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities for women in cybersecurity.
Who can be a member of WiCyS? What can organizations do to help members?
Our membership is open to professionals, students, educators, researchers, and allies who support the participation and advancement of women in cybersecurity. Members have access to hundreds of resources and opportunities offered by the network, including professional development, career advancement, education, mentoring, and research.
We offer a variety of additional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our members. professional member You have a unique opportunity to start a professional affiliate business and encourage a community within your region, business, or specific area of expertise.
student member Students eligible for WiCyS conference scholarships are encouraged to start a WiCyS student chapter on their campus to promote interest in cybersecurity at the high school and college levels.
for veteran membera conference veteran fellowship award, discounts on dues and conference fees, and the opportunity to participate in the WiCyS veteran apprenticeship program to help you transition into cybersecurity.
faculty They have access to WiCyS conference faculty grants and can play a pivotal role in developing the next generation of cybersecurity professionals by serving as faculty advisors for WiCyS student chapters on campus .
What are some of the lesser-known activities of WiCyS?
In addition to our annual conference and networking events, we invest heavily in collaborative research to better understand and address the challenges women face in cybersecurity.
Two key studies supporting this mission are the State of Inclusion Benchmark Report, released in April, and the Cyber Talent Study, released in May.
In partnership with DEI company Aleria, the State of Inclusion Benchmark Report analyzes workplace experiences to highlight the disparities and challenges women encounter every day. Drawing on insights from her 1,000+ employees across more than 20 organizations, this report quantifies the scope of exclusion and provides the basis for targeted interventions and policy changes.
The findings reveal clear disparities, with women facing twice the exclusion rate as men. The report also highlights the negative effects of intersectionality, where individuals with multiple distinct identity characteristics experience increased levels of exclusion.
In collaboration with N2K, the Cyber Talent Study examines the skill sets and career paths of women in the cybersecurity field, identifying strengths and potential growth areas, and highlighting gaps and opportunities for further development and advancement. I'm doing it.
It's about giving our members the tools they need to shine in their roles and advance their careers. The insights gained from this research are invaluable and will help us tailor programs and efforts to better serve our communities and strengthen our community's capacity to meet industry demands.
These studies examine the systemic issues women face in the industry and provide data-based evidence that can drive change and support advocacy efforts. By combining insights from these studies and the community-building power of our events, we are creating a holistic approach to supporting and advancing women in the cybersecurity field.
WiCyS is a nonprofit organization based in the United States, but has members (and chapters) around the world. Are the opportunities offered by WiCyS the same for everyone?
WiCyS offers membership benefits around the world through its chapters, affiliates, and student groups. We offer opportunities internationally, fully recognizing that our communities are incredibly diverse and their needs are equally diverse.
Availability may vary slightly depending on several geographic and logistical factors. However, we have several virtual opportunities so that anyone, anywhere can benefit from his WiCyS opportunities.
WiCyS 2024 will have a fully virtual component following the in-person event, including a virtual job and career fair. Most of our mentorship and networking efforts also take place online, facilitating global interaction.
We also host online webinars, workshops, and training sessions that are open to all members. We strive to make scholarships and grants as accessible as possible, making adjustments as necessary to local funding scenarios.
We also encourage student chapters at universities around the world and aim to inspire a passion for cybersecurity in young women around the world. We actively participate in policy discussions around the world and promote best practices in cybersecurity inclusivity.
WiCyS is focused on improving the recruitment, retention, and promotion of women in the cybersecurity field. Which WiCyS initiatives have proven to be most effective in each of these segments, and how do you think they can be “transplanted” to organizations and society in general?
We have implemented several initiatives that have been particularly effective in improving the recruitment, retention and advancement of women in cybersecurity. These initiatives provide templates that organizations and societies can adapt and adopt.
WiCyS has developed a comprehensive approach to supporting women throughout their cybersecurity careers. Recruitment activity This includes scholarships and grants that make education and conference attendance more accessible, as well as career fairs and job boards that connect women with employment opportunities in the cybersecurity field.
to retain talentWiCyS offers mentorship programs from experienced professionals and professional development resources such as webinars and certification programs.
for promotionleadership training prepares women for senior roles, while recognition and awards highlight women's achievements, inspire others, and recognize and promote women's contributions in cybersecurity. Contribute to culture.
Over the years, I have often heard women in the industry say that getting women into the cybersecurity field is less problematic than keeping them there and, more importantly, succeeding in the long term. Ta. I know this is anecdotal evidence, but what solutions does WiCyS see from that particular perspective?
Retention and career growth are major hurdles for women in the cybersecurity field. Our recent research identified the top four workplace issues for women: Respect, Career and Growth, Access and Participation, and Recognition.
Our mentorship and sponsorship efforts bridge the gap between experienced professionals and industry newcomers. This not only provides guidance, but also builds a network of advocacy that is essential for career advancement.
Professional development is also part of our strategy. We provide ongoing training to ensure our women's skills are top-notch and their career paths are upward.
The networking opportunities provided through WiCyS events serve as an important platform for building a collaborative professional community. This can help you replicate within a corporate environment to increase retention. Leadership development is being prioritized to address the lack of female role models in cybersecurity, and organizations are being asked to pave the way for women to lead.
WiCyS also promotes work-life balance and advocates flexible working conditions that meet the diverse needs of women at different life stages. The organization also ensures that the achievements of women in cybersecurity are recognized and recognized, increasing visibility and visibility within the community.
To achieve real change, organizations must take deliberate and comprehensive action to meet the unique needs of women in cybersecurity. These strategies, supported by leadership, are essential to fostering spaces where women not only participate in cybersecurity, but excel and advance.
How has the context in which WiCyS operates changed since the organization's founding?
The rise in cyber threats and the critical role of digital infrastructure has seriously increased the demand for cybersecurity talent. This is accompanied by a new shift in how the industry views diversity. It's becoming clear that having diverse perspectives within teams leads to better problem solving and more creative innovation.
Cybersecurity education has truly opened up, with schools and universities now offering everything from short courses to full-fledged degrees, making it easier for more people to enter the field. And it's not just academia that's stepping up. Businesses and governments are also placing greater emphasis on fostering diversity and increasing their focus on cybersecurity.
At WiCyS, we have responded quickly to these changes and constantly updated our training and resources to ensure our members are able to meet the latest cyber challenges. The digital age has made networking and mentorship global, allowing the WiCyS community to connect and collaborate no matter where they are.
And on the advocacy side, we strive to further involve women and other underrepresented groups in cybersecurity, demonstrating the true value of diversity in this field.
